Politics and International Relations, MA

At Aberdeen, studying Politics and International Relations goes far beyond lectures and essays — it’s about learning by doing. From your first year, you’ll be encouraged to apply what you study in real-world contexts through group projects, internships, online collaborations, and independent research. You’ll build the kind of practical skills employers look for — from policy analysis and public speaking to research and teamwork — all while exploring how political decisions shape the world around us.

Here’s how you’ll gain that hands-on experience throughout your degree:

• Paid internships with real impact – Through the ABDN Internships Programme, you can work part-time during term or full-time over the summer with organisations linked to politics, policy, media, or research. These roles give you valuable experience before you even graduate.

• Virtual and global opportunities – Thanks to MyCareerHub and the university’s strong employer network, you can apply for remote or in-person internships and get tailored support on applications and interviews.

• Collaborative international projects – Modules such as PI3080: US Politics include Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, where you’ll work with students from other countries on shared political issues — developing cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.

• On-campus internships and research roles – The School of Social Science offers student internships within the department, where you could help run outreach projects, support recruitment, or contribute to research in areas like governance, security, and globalisation.

• World-class research support – You’ll use extensive online databases, political archives, and the cutting-edge Sir Duncan Rice Library to support your coursework and your final-year dissertation, learning how to gather and analyse evidence just like a policy professional.

A Politics and International Relations degree from Aberdeen opens doors to exciting and meaningful careers around the world. Graduates from this program are valued for their ability to think critically, analyse complex global issues, and communicate ideas clearly — skills that are essential in government, diplomacy, media, international organisations, and beyond. Many go on to roles such as policy advisor, diplomatic service officer, NGO programme manager, or political journalist, shaping decisions that truly impact society.

Here’s how Aberdeen helps you get there:

• Personalised career support – The university’s Careers and Employability Service works with you from day one, offering one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking events to help you stand out.

• Exclusive internship opportunities – Through initiatives like ABDN Internships, InternPlus, and MyCareerHub, you’ll gain access to paid placements with government agencies, NGOs, think tanks, and media organisations — all designed to give you real-world experience before you graduate.

• Skill-building and mentoring – The MySkills programme and Career Mentoring Scheme help you develop in-demand skills and connect with professionals in your chosen field, giving you insider knowledge and career confidence.

• Strong graduate outcomes – Around 90% of Aberdeen graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, with Politics graduates earning an average starting salary of about £25,000.

• Industry connections – The University’s partnerships with employers across the public and private sectors give you access to work placements, graduate jobs, and networking events that could lead directly to employment.

• Lifelong value – Your degree equips you with transferable skills like negotiation, research, leadership, and policy analysis, making you adaptable and employable in a fast-changing global job market.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your studies further, this degree is an excellent foundation for postgraduate programmes. Many graduates go on to pursue Master’s degrees in fields like International Relations, Political Science, Global Governance, or Public Policy — including Aberdeen’s own highly regarded postgraduate options. Others continue into PhD research, preparing for careers in academia, policy institutes, or international organisations.

 Wherever you choose to go next, a Politics and International Relations degree from Aberdeen gives you the knowledge, skills, and global perspective to lead and influence change on an international stage.